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On 29th July 2025, STOP commemorated World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP Day) with a vibrant and deeply moving community event held within its field intervention areas with an audience of 120 eager women, young girls and children. The celebration served as both a tribute to the courage of survivors and a bold call to action for everyone to combat human trafficking at the grassroots level.

The event opened with a gripping nukkad natak (street play) that laid bare the grim realities of how trafficking operates at the ground level—from deception to exploitation—urging spectators to recognize the signs and act against it. This was followed by a gripping nukkad natak (street play) stirring dance performance, symbolizing strength, resistance, and the unwavering confidence of communities in standing up against trafficking. A heartfelt poetry recitation encouraged every attendee to take a personal pledge against human trafficking, adding an emotional and reflective depth to the gathering.

Audience members spontaneously stepped forward to share their insights, with many expressing how STOP’s continued efforts have transformed their understanding of trafficking—not just as a crime, but as a systemic issue tied to socio-economic vulnerabilities.

Two distinguished guest speakers added powerful perspectives to the event:

• Retd. IAS Officer Amitava Bhattacharyya emphasized that while every individual perceives trafficking differently, the collective fight must remain united and uncompromising, as human trafficking is intricately connected to other forms of organized crime.
• Prof. (Dr.) Ranjana Bhattacharya echoed the call for unity, stating that the strength of our resistance lies in breaking the barriers—legal, social, and cultural—that enable trafficking to persist.

Hosts Manpreet Kaur and Saanvi Rajput, both staff members of STOP, guided the event with empathy and resolve, repeatedly emphasizing the role of small yet profound actions in making communities resilient to trafficking.

Narayani Bhattacharya, Documentation Officer of STOP, shed light on how trafficking infiltrates homes and neighborhoods and underscored the importance of building household-level awareness. She passionately highlighted the cross-border vulnerabilities in Darjeeling, Southern West Bengal, and Uttarakhand, reminding participants of the critical role of mahila mandals and youth groups in identifying and preventing trafficking networks.

Poonam Choudhary, Field Coordinator, and Mamta Gopal, Centre-In-Charge, spoke about the long-term, often irreversible impacts of human trafficking on victims, families, and communities. They urged everyone to take the pledge not just in word but in practice—by staying vigilant, informed, and united.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Paridhi Negi, Project Associate at STOP, who acknowledged the unwavering support of the community, the dedication of STOP’s Founder and staff, and the generosity of the local space-providers who made the day possible.

STOP’s TIP Day celebration was not just a commemoration—it was a reaffirmation. A reaffirmation of solidarity, courage, and the will to dismantle trafficking networks.

On 13th July 2025, Project STOP received a distress email from a young Nepali woman who, along with two others, had been trafficked to Delhi under the false promise of employment. On arrival, they were confined indoors, their passports taken, and cut off from communication, income, and legal safety. Isolated and fearful, they reached out in desperation.

The STOP team responded immediately. Founder Roma Debabrata initiated coordination with KIN India for field support, Maiti Nepal for cross-border verification, and the Delhi Crime Branch to ensure a lawful rescue. Over the next few days, survivor contact was maintained, their location was confirmed, and risks were mapped. A detailed and secure plan of action was drawn up in consultation with all stakeholders.

The rescue was carried out on 18 July. Field Coordinator Poonam Choudhary led the operation, supported by the KIN India team. Despite resistance at the site, the team safely located the survivors, who were visibly distressed and confused. They were immediately removed from the premises and taken to the Special Cell for Women and Children. A formal complaint was filed, and the women were shifted to STOP’s Aftercare Home, where they received emotional support, basic care, and legal assistance.

On 19 July, the survivors were escorted to the Nepal Embassy by Poonam Choudhary and a representative from KIN India. Their families, previously contacted by Maiti Nepal, were present for the reunion. Emergency travel documents were issued, and the women were formally repatriated. They spent the night in a recognised shelter in Kathmandu, where they received further support.

The next day, 20 July, the women met with Nepalese authorities at the Bureau. Verbal statements were recorded, and a legal investigation was initiated. The trafficker, a Nepalese national operating across the India–Nepal corridor, has been identified. Authorities from both countries are now working together to ensure extradition and prosecution.

On July 1, 2025, seven representatives from STOP visited Action India’s Mahila Panchayat in Dakshinpuri, Delhi, to learn from their long-standing work in addressing gender-based violence and strengthening women’s access to justice. The meeting brought together representatives from both organizations, fostering dialogue and mutual learning.

The STOP team included Ms. Poonam Choudhary (Field Coordinator), Ms. Mamta Gopal (Centre-in-Charge), and five Mahila Panchayat members. Together, they interacted with Action India’s Mahila Panchayat representatives and para-legal volunteers who have been working at the grassroots level for over three decades. The discussion focused on community-based strategies that have helped resolve cases of domestic and gender violence through empathy, dialogue, and accountability.

Key lessons emerged from the interaction—listening without judgment, giving three warnings before filing a First Information Report (FIR), and prioritizing family dialogue over immediate legal intervention. The team observed how trust and strong community participation form the foundation of real and lasting justice.

This visit reinforced STOP’s belief in community-driven approaches that place compassion and collaboration at the heart of social change.

The Tigri Summer Camp is alive with colour, calm, and creativity!
Children and community women come together each day to explore:

🧘‍♀️ Graceful Yoga for balance and well-being

🎨 Cardboard Crafts to ignite imagination

🧵 Embroidery to celebrate skill and patience

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